Notebook computer protection device and saddle bag

ABSTRACT

A notebook computer protection device forming a protective sleeve adapted to securely receive a notebook computer. The protection device is formed of a semi-rigid translucent material having a plurality of access openings permitting both a physical and visual inspection of the notebook computer lateral portions when secured therewithin. The protection device protects the notebook computer when subject to the examination process at airports and other transportation hubs, particularly when subject to the x-ray process at security checkpoints. The notebook computer protection device is light weight, inexpensive, and effectively protects a notebook computer during the inspection process, without requiring the removal of the notebook computer therefrom during the inspection process.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/700,316 filed Oct. 31, 2003 entitled Notebook Computer ProtectionDevice which claimes priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/422,587 entitled “The Guardian” filed Oct. 31, 2002, theteachings of which are included herein by reference

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to the field of notebookcomputers and computer accessories therefore, and more particularly tonotebook computer protection devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the heightened security levels both in the United States andabroad, travelers with notebook computers are subject to even moreintense screening of their notebooks through security at airports, aswell as other transportation terminals. Currently, notebook computerowners are required to remove their notebook computer from its carryingcase, and the notebook computers are required to be placed separately ona conveyor belt, or, in a tray as it is advanced through the screeningprocess.

These notebook computers, while be designed to be rugged and portable,are subject to intense handling and jostling during the examination andx-ray process. Moreover, the ultimate drop off of the notebook computerdown the stainless steel ramp at end of examination leads to damage andscratches of an expensive piece of equipment.

There is desired a notebook computer accessory suitable to facilitatehandling and examination of a notebook computer outside of a notebookcarrying case, yet which accessory provides physical access and visualinspection of a notebook computer as it is advanced through a securitycheckpoint. Such a device needs to facilitate easy access to thenotebook computer, such as for use or for further inspection whenrequired, yet which securely protects the notebook computer when subjectto an examination process, and may even which may be suitable forcarrying in a normal computer bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves technical advantages as a notebookcomputer protection device formed of a semi-rigid body member having asleeve adapted to both receive and secure the notebook computertherewithin. The body member also has at least one opening permittingaccess to a lateral portion of the received notebook while securedtherein, including physical access and visual access thereto.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcedbody has a plurality of openings permitting access to a plurality oflateral portions of the notebook computer while secured therewithin. Thebody member is generally shaped like a “X”, having a plurality ofextensions defining the openings therebetween. The body member furtherincludes a port adapted to receive the notebook computer into thesleeve, and also to permit the retrieval therefrom when required. Thebody member further comprises a retractable handle disposed across theport. The handle is adapted to permit manipulation of the body memberwhen the notebook computer is received therewithin. Preferably, thishandle is pivotably retractable and is bowed outwardly therefrom toprovide accessibility.

The body member may further include a security device adapted to providean alert when a notebook computer is removed from the body member.Preferably, the body member is comprised of a translucent materialpermitting a visual inspection of substantially all of the notebookcomputer when received therewithin. Preferably, the body membercomprises a resilient member disposed within the sleeve adapted tosecurely cushion the notebook computer at its corners when receivedtherewithin.

The notebook computer protection device, in combination with thenotebook computer, provides a notebook computer owner a solution whichpermits security checkpoints to quickly and conveniently inspect thenotebook computer as needed, yet which also protects the notebookcomputer during this process. This body member is adapted to secure thenotebook computer therewithin, when stored in a carrying case ifdesired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of theinvention securely receiving a notebook computer therewithin;

FIGS. 2-7 are various views of the notebook computer protection devicewithout the notebook computer;

FIG. 8-13 are various views of the notebook computer protection devicesecurely receiving the notebook computer;

FIG. 14 shows a saddle bag secured about the notebook computer andprotection device;

FIG. 15 shows one side of the saddle bag being removed; and

FIG. 16 shows both sides of the saddle bag removed, fully exposing thenotebook computer secured within the protection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is generally shown at 10 a notebookcomputer protection device 10 seen to securely receive therein anotebook computer 12. Body member 10 is reinforced and preferablycomprised of a semi-rigid material, such as an elastomer or plastic, butmay also be formed of a rigid material if desired. Body member 10 isseen to have a plurality of openings 14 permitting both physical andvisual access to lateral portions 16 the notebook computer 12 whensecurely received therewithin. Openings 14 in the preferred embodimentare formed by a plurality of corresponding concave edges 18 extendingbetween opposing body extensions 20. The concave edges 18 are furtherseen to be tapered downwardly and outwardly from a central portion ofthe body member 10 to reduce the weight of the body member 10, and alsoto provide an ecstatically pleasant appearance.

The opposing extensions 20 are also seen to be narrowed proximate theirdistal ends 22. Securely coupled to and between the opposing distal ends22 of each extension 20 are seen to be an integral resilient receptacles24 adapted to securely receive and grip the respective corner of thenotebook computer 12, as shown. These receptacles 24 are preferablycomprised of an elastomeric material, but also could be formed of, orhave received therewithin, a resilient material such as a foam-likematerial.

Disposed across one opening of body member 12 is seen to be a pivotableretractable handle 30 which bows outwardly, and has a midsectiongripping surface 32. Handle 30 is adapted to pivot about a pivot pin 34extending vertically between the two respective opposing extensions 22,as shown. At the other end of handle 30 is a locking mechanism 34adapted to selectively and securely lock the handle 30 in a closedposition to the proximate extensions 22, as shown. Device 10 further mayinclude a security device, such as a security alarm, responsive to theremoval of the notebook computer from device 10. One configuration ofthe security device 40 may include a proximity sensor that may bearmed/disarmed by an IR programming device, by the entering of apasscode, or other suitable activation device as desired.

FIGS. 2-7 show various views of the notebook computer protection device10 shown in FIG. 1, without the notebook computer 12 received therein.As shown, the device 10 is suited to stand vertically on its own asshown in FIG. 2, and has elastic handle 30 extending thereacross to forma carrying handle.

FIG. 8-13 show various views of the notebook computer protection device10 with the notebook computer 12 received therewithin. As shown in FIG.8, device 10 receiving notebook computer 12 also is adapted to standfreely in an vertical orientation due to the bottom flat surfaces of therespective extensions 20.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a second embodiment of thepresent invention seen to include a saddle bag 50 securely receiving theprotection device 10 and notebook computer 12 therewithin.

As shown in FIG. 15, the saddle bag 50 is seen to have two halves 52 and54, each having an inner surface 56 having recesses which conform to theouter surface of device 10, as shown. Each of saddle bag halves 52 and54 are adapted to secure to the respective corners of device 10 througha locking arrangement 58, such as a tongue and groove locking mechanism,snaps, Velcro mechanism, or other suitable locking mechanism. In yetanother alternative preferred embodiment these respective halves 52 maybe adapted to secure to each other, about device 10 and computer 12,without the attachment to device 10.

FIG. 16 shows the saddle bag 50 fully removed from device 10 andnotebook computer 12 providing complete access to device 10 and notebook12, as shown.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specificpreferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the presentapplication. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims beinterpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to includeall such variations and modifications.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a reinforced body member configured tosecure a notebook computer therewithin, the body member having at leastone opening permitting access to a lateral portion of the receivednotebook computer while secured therewithin without manipulating thebody member; and a container adapted to selectively receive thereinforced body member, the container having a first inner surface beinga function of a shape of the reinforced body member.
 2. The apparatus asspecified in claim 1, wherein the container is configured to secure thereinforced body member therein.
 3. The apparatus as specified in claim 2wherein the container first inner surface has a shape conforming to theshape of the reinforced body member.
 4. The apparatus as specified inclaim 3 wherein the container inner surface comprises a recess.
 5. Theapparatus as specified in claim 3 wherein the container furthercomprises a second inner surface having a shape conforming to thereinforced body member.
 6. The apparatus as specified in claim 5 whereinthe first inner surface and the second inner surface oppose one another.7. The apparatus as specified in claim 6 wherein the first inner surfaceand the second inner surface form two halves of the container.
 8. Theapparatus as specified in claim 7 wherein the container two halves areconfigured to be selectively retractable from one another to expose thereinforced body member.
 9. The apparatus as specified in claim 7 whereinthe container comprises a saddle bag.
 10. The apparatus as specified inclaim 2 wherein the container is configured to selectively secure to thereinforced body member disposed thereon.
 11. The apparatus as specifiedin claim 10 wherein the container further comprises a locking mechanismconfigured to secure to the reinforced body member disposed thereon. 12.The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member has anopening configured to receive the notebook computer and also to permitretrieval therethrough.
 13. The apparatus as specified in claim 1wherein the reinforced body member includes a handle.
 14. The apparatusas specified in claim 13 wherein a portion of the handle is disposedoutside the container when the reinforced body member is disposedtherein.
 15. The device as specified in claim 14 wherein the handle isconfigured to carry the container and reinforced body member whendisposed therein.
 16. In combination: a notebook computer; a reinforcedbody member configured to secure a notebook computer therewithin, thebody member having at least one opening permitting access to a lateralportion of the received notebook computer while secured therewithinwithout manipulating the body member; and a container adapted toselectively receive the reinforced body member, the container having afirst inner surface being a function of a shape of the reinforced bodymember.
 17. The combination as specified in claim 16, wherein thecontainer is configured to secure the reinforced body member therein.18. The combination as specified in claim 16 wherein the containercomprises a first inner surface having a shape conforming to thereinforced body member.
 19. The combination as specified in claim 16wherein a portion of the handle is disposed outside the container whenthe reinforced body member is disposed therein.
 20. The combination asspecified in claim 16 wherein the handle is configured to carry thecontainer and reinforced body member when disposed therein.